Concussion Care

A concussion is not just a bump on the head. It is a traumatic injury that can change the way your brain normally works. Fortunately, our sports medicine doctors are specially trained in the diagnosis and treatment of concussion.

What is a concussion?

A concussion is a type of brain injury caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head that disrupts normal brain function. You do not have to be knocked out to get a concussion. In fact, only 10% of concussions involve a loss of consciousness.

All concussions have the potential to be serious. UnityPoint Clinic Concussion Care provides medical evaluation and treatment for mild traumatic brain injury or concussion caused by sports-related activities.

What are the symptoms of a concussion?

Symptoms may be temporary or ongoing. In some cases, symptoms do not show up until hours or days after the injury. Symptoms can include headache, nausea and vomiting, prolonged fatigue, sensitivity to light and noise, blurred vision, difficulty thinking clearly or remembering, dizziness/balance problems, behavior/personality changes, and difficulty sleeping.

Our Team Approach to Evaluation and Treatment

Our comprehensive Concussion Care starts with a diagnostic evaluation of the patient by one of our fellowship-trained sports medicine specialists. The evaluation can include assessments of balance, vision, memory, reaction time and attention.

We then develop a custom treatment plan to meet individual needs. Treatment can include physical therapy for neck stability, balance/gait retraining, and medication (when necessary) for headache, sleep or attention difficulties. We also offer the ImPACT neurocognitive test when indicated for helping to assess readiness for a safe return to sports, school or work.

Our interdisciplinary team includes UnityPoint Clinic neurologists as well as physical therapists, neurosurgeons and pain management specialists for patients who need additional treatment.

Insurance

We participate in most major health plans including Methodist First Choice, Caterpillar PPO and Health Alliance HMO, Coventry Personal Care, MultiPlan, United Health Care, and Blue Cross/Blue Shield HMO and PPO. We accept assignment on Medicare claims.